Aegean Shores

Just noticed that Thomson have changed our itinerary on the website - not been notified by them. Instead of sea day and then Istanbul, we are going to Athens and Crete. Really pleased as we were a little concerned as to whether to go ashore in Istanbul or to stay on the ship. Now we don't have to make that decision. Better start looking at the excursions:)

It's a pity you have to miss out as its a fascinating place to visit but like you at the moment I would be happy with an alternative.😀😀

We've already been to Istanbul and loved it, that's why we booked this cruise so we could go again. This was before the present troubles. However, now we have no sea days:cool: Have been to both Athens and Aghios Nikolaos but many years ago so getting really excited. This looks like a fantastic cruise:)

Just noticed that Thomson have changed our itinerary on the website - not been notified by them. Instead of sea day and then Istanbul, we are going to Athens and Crete. Really pleased as we were a little concerned as to whether to go ashore in Istanbul or to stay on the ship. Now we don't have to make that decision. Better start looking at the excursions:)

I sail in July and mine hasn't changed - where are you reading this and did Thomson confirm it (I assume you spoke to them )

What about Cesme too ?

Just contacted Thomson and you are correct. Sea day axed in favour of two short stop at Piraeus (Athens) and Crete. Given we are in the former for only 7 hours and the later for 8 hours I am not happy at this at all. 7 hours in Piraeus is a total waste of time. Would have been better just having the sea day !

Oh and we still go to Turkey - Cesme which kind of sems like defeating the purpose to me.

Hi thommoscotland don't know if its helpful but we did Athens in a half day had a walk round Plaka & a coffee, went up the hill and paid a visit to the new museum took a great photo of the reflection of the Acropolis on the front of the Museum and still had time to look at the stadium was about five hours and I think you are only loosing one hour on the normal port time so I would think Thomson will offer a full day.

Hope it helps:)

Hi thommoscotland don't know if its helpful but we did Athens in a half day had a walk round Plaka & a coffee, went up the hill and paid a visit to the new museum took a great photo of the reflection of the Acropolis on the front of the Museum and still had time to look at the stadium was about five hours and I think you are only loosing one hour on the normal port time so I would think Thomson will offer a full day.

Hope it helps:)

Good to know, thanks for that. Was concerned about the time it would take Piaerus to Athens itself but that's a help.

They will need to still have one stop in Turkey or no duty free sales (i.e. outwith the EU)

Last time we went to Pireaus we took the 'Athens on your own' trip - basically a coach into the city and return. We were extremely fortunate that the escort/guide on the coach asked if anyone wanted a free guided walking tour for a couple of hours. About a dozen of us took him up on this and it was fantastic - he took us places others never went to. Everyone gave him tips so we all gained! Athens is quite compact so you can easily walk around.

I understand that we dock about 500 metres from the centre of Ag Nik so really looking forward to that. We went over 20 years ago so will beinteresting to see how it's changed. Can't wait....

Still no contact from Thomson to advise of the change in itineray - the vast majority of customers booked on this cruise this summer will still be oblivious. Pretty poor show !

Thomson haven't advised us either and we go next week. Not at all bothered though, just pleased we have some lovely ports to look forward to.

Good to know, thanks for that. Was concerned about the time it would take Piaerus to Athens itself but that's a help.

Just leave the ship, turn left to a smallish car park/ square. There you can pick up the Hop on, Hop off buses. See all the sites with a commentary and get off and on as you want. We did it and found it very good value.

Sounds just the job thanks for that

Just received email from Thomson explaining the changes and also adding £25 per person OBC. We are 2 very pleased passengers :)

Good result IMO😀

Look forward to receiving likewise shortly then. A decent enough gesture in the circumstances.

Lots of folk on FB got emails today.

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

Lots of folk on FB got emails today.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

Hope they treat everyone the same by giving £25 pp on board credit. Enjoy your cruise folks.

Yes got mine yesterday - £25 OBC per adult seems to be the offer which seems reasonable.

Last time we were in Athens, there was an express bus service, X80, from the port running half hourly into Athens, dropping off at about the same place as the Athens on your Own Transfer. I think it was 4 Euro and took about 20 minutes (at least the early on we caught did, it may be longer as the traffic builds.) It is easy walking distance of the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Plaka and Monastriaki where there are tourist, local and lea markets. You should of course head back earlier if you are travelling independently to build in some leeway but it is a much cheaper option.

We used the X80 last October to get to Athens. It was a quick and efficient journey except for one thing....we waited nearly an hour for it to turn up, even though the ticket seller said it would be coming in a few minutes. As we waited, a number of taxis pulled up offering to take us for €20 one way.

Last time we were in Athens, there was an express bus service, X80, from the port running half hourly into Athens, dropping off at about the same place as the Athens on your Own Transfer. I think it was 4 Euro and took about 20 minutes (at least the early on we caught did, it may be longer as the traffic builds.) It is easy walking distance of the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Plaka and Monastriaki where there are tourist, local and lea markets. You should of course head back earlier if you are travelling independently to build in some leeway but it is a much cheaper option.

Welcome back Kruzseeka, Did you enjoy it?

Welcome back Kruzseeka, Did you enjoy it?

Thanks happy v. Yes, all really good - ship, itinerary and weather. I'd love to do it all again! Fabulous trip.

Back already - can't believe how quick it went! For those doing this itinerary in July and september, I've written down our experience. Sorry it's so long but I've tried to be honest and fair.

Corfu – Arrived to rain and cloud. Quick transfer to registration building and then a shuttle to the ship. Had a snack and then decided to don the cagoules and walk into Corfu town. Half way there it poured heavily and we had to buy an umbrella. As we arrived in Corfu town the roads were flooding and the shops were sweeping rain water out. Cagoules started to leak and we were cold so took a taxi back to the ship for a cup of hot tea! Sailaway party had to be held in Medusa lounge due to the bad weather and was really good although we couldn’t see the actual ‘sail away’

Argostoli – Really wanted to see Cephalonia so had arranged a hire car for 8am to meet us at the dock. Got up early and it was torrential rain and low cloud. 2 choices, either stay on the ship or see some of the island in the rain. Decided on the latter. We were the only ones getting off the ship but the car hire lady had persuaded the authorities to let her bring the car to the bottom of the gangway for us and she was waiting in the ship doorway (fantastic service!) We drove out of Argostoli and it was thundering and lightening with waterfalls coming out of the walls. There were no cars on the road but lots of rocks that had washed down. Eventually got to the viewing point above Myrtos beach and it looked beautiful even in the rain so we decided to drive down to the beach. It was drizzle by now and we were the only people walking on the beach. We then drove to across the island to a couple of places and had a coffee and snack at Sami. The sky was brightening by the time we got back to Argostoli in the afternoon so we walked around and had lunch. Returned the car and back on the ship after having a lovely day despite the weather. Loved the island and will be on our list of places to return for a holiday.

Athens – Docked at noon. Strike that day so no buses or metro. We were concerned the taxis would be busy so used our OBC for the ‘Athens on your own’ trip. The escort on the bus was very informative and dropped us by the Acropolis. Had almost 4 hours to walk round the Acropolis and Plaka. Had a lovely afternoon even though still very windy.

Aghios Nikolous – On deck for the sail in but extremely windy. The poor deck hand put all the sunbeds out but had to put them away again. Sailed to Ag Nik and straight past.... the Captain announced it was too windy and was dangerous to dock so we would have a sea day. Really disappointed but less than an hour later he announced they had managed to secure a place in Heraklion and that the tugs were waiting to assist us. The trips were back on as the coaches were heading along the coast to meet us. Managed to dock but the tugs really had to hold us back with ropes so that we didn’t blow into the dock. Walked into Heraklion and was a pleasant surprise. The town was lively and it was quite warm as it was sheltered from the wind. We then walked back via the old harbour and watched the waves dashing over the dock. Not quite Ag Nik but a good day in the end.

Cesme – What a lovely little place! Only 20 minutes walk to the centre of the town and the castle. We went into the castle (8 TL or credit card) and it was lovely. Walked up many steps to the top where we had great views. We then had an ice-cream and sat in the sun (all the tables and chairs were shaped like ice-cream cones). Walked along the front where there are lots of white table cloth type restaurants and then back through the streets where the cafes and shops were. Had a drink on the way back at a cafe by the harbour. Great relaxing day.

Santorini – Should have arrived 7am (2 large ships due at 8am). After reading reviews, we had booked a hire car and hoped to be off the ship as soon as possible. Cruise News said we had to wait in Medusa lounge for tickets from 8.45am. Couldn’t understand why this was so late but decided to be in Medusa lounge for 8am and queue. However, we woke at 7am and looked out of window. We were sailing straight past Santorini so went out on deck. We were sailing up and down and the Captain announced that he may not be able to dock due to the high wind so he would wait. It was around 9am when he announced that another ship was in the port and there was only 1 anchorage point so he would try to get in if he could but would have to leave the engines running and effectively ‘tread water’. When we rounded the island by Santorini, there were 2 ships at anchor. All very confusing and I think if they hadn’t already been there we probably would have sailed away. Eventually stopped the ship quite a way out in the bay but we could have been there much earlier if we hadn’t been sailing up and down the coast. By now was around 10am. We went back to Medusa lounge and there was so much confusion. Suddenly a ship’s rep came into the lounge and hundreds of people crowded her pushing for tender tickets. It was a free for all! Really badly organised. They should have had someone issuing tickets as people arrived in the lounge i.e. first come first served. Fortunately the tenders were sent from shore and they were waiting at the ship. Eventually got ashore and into the cable car quite quickly as the other ships passengers were long gone. We decided to still take the car hire as we only had a few hours now and wanted to try to see as much as possible. Left Thira at 11.15 and drove to Oia where we had a walk round and treated ourselves to lunch at one of the restaurants with the lovely views. Drove back towards Thira and to Santos Winery where the views are stunning, and to the village of Pirgos. Drove back into Thira as we didn’t want to leave it too late for getting back to the ship. Looked around Thira and saw very long queue for the cablecar. There are 4 cars that take 6 people at a time so we estimated well over an hours wait. We decided to walk down the steps. Quite a few people walking but there is no shelter and the mules can be a bit rough. There was donkey muck but that wasn’t the problem, the worst bit was that steps are cobbled and the stones had worn very shiny and slippery. We took half an hour to walk slowly but were constantly slipping. Not a pleasant experience. Really liked Santorini and glad we visited but not sure this is somewhere I would want to holiday.

Kalamata - Opened the curtain and could see shops and flats – we had docked right in the town. We walked across the road and took a taxi to the old town (5 euros) as we only had a morning there. However it wasn’t as far as we thought and we could have walked it. We walked round the old part and then back through the commercial centre which was a nice pedestrian area with lots of shoe shops etc. Back through Railway Park which is a park where they have left the old railway tracks and old engines. There was a flower show with thousands of plants for sale and it was very pleasant. We then walked past the ship and in the other direction. There are some nice cafes a small quayside where fishermen were selling their catch. Further on a couple of shingle beaches.

Dream - Cabin looked a little tired with chips out of the wood. The bed was very comfy and bedding was nice and soft. Bathroom tiles needed some new grouting in places and there were no toiletries except for liquid soap by the bath and sink. Not even a shower cap so take everything you need.

Staff – Many changes and have to say we missed the lovely smiling faces we have become accustomed to. However, most were friendly and did a good job. Definitely seems to be less staff especially by the Lido pool and definitely in the Medusa bar so we went to the bar a few times but this wasn’t a problem.

Entertainment – What can I say? Excellent shows as usual and the resident group Soundroom were very good. This is the thing that brings us back to Thomson.

Dining – We ate in the Lido for breakfast and lunch and had no issues. The food was varied and hot. In the evening we ate in the Orion restaurant every night. The main problem here was actually getting a table. We would wait at the entrance and sometimes no-one came to us at all. I understand they may be full but it would be nice if they could just acknowledge us and say there may be a wait. We were always happy to share but 2 nights we were put on a table for 4 on our own which seemed a bit strange. Another couple asked for a table for 2 as they had very bad colds but they were told no tables for 2 and come back later. The problem was the head waiters, even the restaurant manager was playing with one of the glass doors one evening and completely ignored those who were waiting. Once in the restaurant, no problems. The food was good and varied and always hot. Waiters were efficient and we didn’t have to wait too long. Wine waiters kept us filled up.

To sum up, we had a good holiday and will sail with Thomson again but they need to up their game. Maybe the new ships next year may be the answer???

A very good informative review thank you. It sounds as if you made the most of what you were given and enjoyed yourselves. Good for you!